Communication method, apparatus and system

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method, apparatus and system. The method comprises: receiving first information; and determining N pieces of configuration information from among M pieces of configuration information on the basis of the first information, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, the M pieces of configuration information are pre-configured, and the M pieces of configuration information are used for determining the mode of a terminal device. The terminal device can perform selection from among the plurality of pieces of pre-configured configuration information on the basis of the first information, so as to perform reconfiguration. On the one hand, a network device transmits the first information for reconfiguring of the terminal device, compared with a solution of transmitting complete configuration information, the solution of the present application can reduce the resource overhead in the communication system, and is more energy-saving. On the other hand, the determined configuration information can be used for determining the mode of the terminal device, so that the first information can carry no information used for indicating mode switching, thereby further reducing the resource overhead in the communication system.

Description

Communication method, device and system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 8, 2024, with application number 202410178014.6 and application name “Communication Methods, Devices and Systems,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a communication method, device, and system. Background Art

[0003] In a communication system, to enable network devices and terminal devices to perform radio resource control (RRC) operations, network devices need to send some information to the terminal devices. This information is called system information (SI). SI can be divided into minimum system information (MSI) and other system information (other SI). MSI can include basic information required for the UE to initially access a cell and information required to obtain any other system information.

[0004] However, SI includes a large number of configuration items. Although MSI has fewer configuration items than SI, it still includes a large number of configuration items, which requires a large amount of physical resources to notify terminal devices, resulting in high resource overhead.

[0005] Therefore, how to reduce resource overhead in communication systems is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method, device, and system that can reduce resource overhead in a communication system.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component in the terminal device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0008] The method includes: receiving first information from a first network device; and determining N configuration information out of M configuration information based on the first information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the M configuration information are pre-configured and used to determine the mode of the terminal device.

[0009] Through the above embodiment, the terminal device can select from multiple pre-configured configuration information based on the first information from the network device, thereby performing reconfiguration. On the one hand, the network device reconfigures the terminal device by transmitting the first information. Compared to the scheme of transmitting complete configuration information, the above embodiment can reduce resource overhead in the communication system and is more energy-efficient. On the other hand, the determined configuration information can be used to determine the mode of the terminal device. Therefore, the first information does not need to carry information indicating mode switching, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system and saving energy.

[0010] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate a first index, wherein determining N configuration information among M configuration information based on the first information includes: determining the N configuration information among the M configuration information based on the first index.

[0011] Through the above embodiment, the first information can indicate the index of the configuration information, and the terminal device can be reconfigured according to the configuration information corresponding to the index. The index occupies a small amount of data, so the above solution can further reduce resource overhead in the communication system, thereby further saving energy.

[0012] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate a first condition, wherein determining N configuration information among M configuration information based on the first information includes: determining the N configuration information among the M configuration information when the first condition is met.

[0013] Through the above embodiments, network devices can define application conditions (i.e., first conditions) corresponding to configuration information for specific scenarios. Terminal devices can determine the corresponding configuration information and perform reconfiguration if the first condition is met. In other words, terminal devices can activate the corresponding configuration if the application condition is met. On the one hand, terminal devices can perform reconfiguration as soon as the application condition is met, without requiring additional instructions from the network device, thus saving resource overhead. On the other hand, terminal devices can perform the corresponding configuration when appropriate, avoiding the possibility of being unable to switch configurations in a timely manner due to signaling reception failures, thereby reducing the failure rate.

[0014] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate a first index and a first condition, wherein, based on the first information, determining N configuration information out of M configuration information includes: determining K configuration information out of the M configuration information based on the first index, and determining the N configuration information out of the K configuration information when the first condition is satisfied, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and K is a positive integer greater than or equal to N; or, determining L configuration information out of the M configuration information when the first condition is satisfied, and determining the N configuration information out of the L configuration information based on the first index, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and L is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

[0015] Through the above embodiment, the N configuration information determined by the terminal device not only meets the configuration information application conditions, but is also indicated by the network device through the index. This solution not only allows each set of configuration information to be applied in a more appropriate scenario, but also enables the network device to indicate to the terminal device which set (or sets) of configuration information to apply through the index information with less data volume, thereby helping to further improve communication quality.

[0016] In some implementations, the first condition includes at least one of the following: a condition on the identification of the terminal device; a condition on the capability level of the terminal device; a threshold condition on the distance between the terminal device and the first network device; a threshold condition on the signal strength; a threshold condition on the power level of the terminal device; a threshold condition on the quality of service level; a condition on the data encryption method; a condition on the type of the first network device; or a condition on the perception capability of the first network device.

[0017] Through the above embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of a condition for the identification of the terminal device, a condition for the capability level of the terminal device, a threshold condition for the distance between the terminal device and the first network device, a threshold condition for the signal strength, a threshold condition for the power level of the terminal device, a condition for the threshold of the quality of service level, a condition for the data encryption method, a condition for the type of the first network device, or a condition for the perception capability of the first network device. The network device may define more specific application conditions for the configuration information; the terminal device may select configuration information based on the more specific application conditions. Therefore, the above embodiments trigger the reconfiguration of the terminal device more finely through more specific application conditions, so that each set of configuration information can be applied in a more appropriate scenario, thereby helping to improve the quality of communication.

[0018] In some implementations, the method further includes: determining, based on the N configuration information, that the mode of the terminal device is a first mode, the first mode supporting at least one of first data transmission, mobility management, or initiating a second data transmission, wherein the transmission requirement of the first data transmission is different from the transmission requirement of the second data transmission.

[0019] Through the above embodiment, N configuration information can determine that the mode of the terminal device is the first mode. Since the configuration information determined by the first information can be used to determine the mode of the terminal device, the first information may not carry information indicating mode switching, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system.

[0020] In some implementations, the N pieces of configuration information include information about a first resource, wherein the method further includes: performing the first data transmission with the first network device on the first resource using a non-orthogonal multiple access technology.

[0021] Through the above embodiments, the network device can distinguish the data transmission of different terminal devices based on the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) mechanism. Compared with using orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) technology to perform the first data transmission, the network device and terminal device in the embodiment of the present application occupy fewer resources when performing the first data transmission.

[0022] In some implementations, the method further includes: determining, based on the N pieces of configuration information, that the mode of the terminal device is a second mode, where the second mode supports second data transmission.

[0023] Through the above embodiment, N configuration information can determine that the mode of the terminal device is the second mode. Since the configuration information determined by the first information can be used to determine the mode of the terminal device, the first information may not carry information indicating mode switching, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system.

[0024] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving second information from the first network device; and determining, based on the second information, P configuration information among the M configuration information, where P is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the P configuration information is configuration information of the second network device.

[0025] Through the above embodiment, a network device can send second information to a terminal device. The second information is used by the terminal device to determine the configuration information of another network device. The above embodiment can be applied in mobility management scenarios. For example, the first network device can serve as the source network device, and the second network device can serve as the target network device. In this way, the source network device can use the second information, which has a relatively small amount of data, to enable the terminal device to complete the reconfiguration of the target network device, thereby reducing the resource overhead in mobility management.

[0026] In some implementations, the second information is used to indicate a second index and / or a second condition.

[0027] Through the above embodiments, the second information may indicate the index and / or application conditions of the configuration information. The terminal device reconfigures itself based on the configuration information corresponding to the index, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system and thus saving energy. The terminal device uses the corresponding configuration information based on the application conditions, enabling each set of configuration information to be applied in a more appropriate scenario, thereby further improving communication quality.

[0028] In some implementations, one of the N configuration information includes information about a second resource, and the second resource is used to transmit information for waking up the terminal device, wherein receiving the second information from the first network device includes: receiving the second information from the first network device on the second resource.

[0029] Through the above solution, the second information can be transmitted on the second resource used to transmit the information for waking up the terminal device, thereby improving the utilization rate of the second resource and facilitating resource saving.

[0030] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device, or by a component in the first network device (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network device.

[0031] The method includes: sending first information to a terminal device, the first information being used to determine N configuration information among M configuration information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, the M configuration information being pre-configured, and the M configuration information being used to switch the mode of the terminal device.

[0032] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate a first index, and the first index is used to determine the N configuration information among the M configuration information.

[0033] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate a first condition, and the first condition is used to determine the N configuration information among the M configuration information when the first condition is met.

[0034] In some implementations, the first information is used to indicate a first index and a first condition; wherein, the first index is used to determine K pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information, and the first condition is used to determine the N pieces of configuration information among the K pieces of configuration information when the first condition is satisfied, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and K is a positive integer greater than or equal to N; or, wherein, the first condition is used to determine L pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information when the first condition is satisfied, and the first index is used to determine the N pieces of configuration information among the L pieces of configuration information, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and L is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

[0035] In some implementations, the first condition includes at least one of the following: a condition on the identification of the terminal device; a condition on the capability level of the terminal device; a threshold condition on the distance between the terminal device and the first network device; a threshold condition on the signal strength; a threshold condition on the power level of the terminal device; a condition on the threshold value of the quality of service level; a condition on the data encryption method; a condition on the type of the first network device; or a condition on the perception capability of the first network device.

[0036] In some implementations, the N configuration information are used to determine that the mode of the terminal device is a first mode, which supports at least one of first data transmission, mobility management, or initiating second data transmission, wherein the transmission requirement of the first data transmission is different from the transmission requirement of the second data transmission.

[0037] In some implementations, the N pieces of configuration information include information about a first resource, wherein the method further includes: performing the first data transmission with the terminal device using a non-orthogonal multiple access technology on the first resource.

[0038] In some implementations, the N pieces of configuration information are used to determine that the mode of the terminal device is a second mode, and the second mode supports second data transmission.

[0039] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal device, the second information being used to determine P configuration information among the M configuration information, where P is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the P configuration information is configuration information of the second network device.

[0040] In some implementations, the second information is used to indicate a second index and / or a second condition.

[0041] In some implementations, one of the N configuration information includes information about a second resource, and the second resource is used to transmit information for waking up the terminal device, wherein sending the second information to the terminal device includes: sending the second information to the terminal device on the second resource.

[0042] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processing circuit (or processor) and an input / output interface (also referred to as an interface circuit), the input / output interface being used to input and / or output signals, the processing circuit being used to execute the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or the processing circuit being used to execute the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0043] In certain implementations, the processing circuit is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or execute the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may include a device or module for performing the functions of the communication device.

[0045] In some implementations, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0046] In some implementations, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0047] In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction is run on a computer, the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect are executed, or the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect are executed.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be executed, or causes the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be executed.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor connected to a memory and configured to call a program stored in the memory to execute any possible method of the first aspect, or to execute any possible method of the second aspect. The memory may be located within or outside the communication device. The processor may include one or more processors.

[0050] In one implementation, the communication device of the third aspect, fourth aspect or seventh aspect may be a chip or a chip system.

[0051] In an eighth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor for calling a computer program or computer instruction in a memory so that the processor executes any one of the implementation methods of the above-mentioned first aspect, or so that the processor executes any one of the implementation methods of the above-mentioned second aspect.

[0052] In some implementations, the processor is coupled to the memory through an interface.

[0053] In the ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a terminal device and a first network device, the terminal device is used to execute the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect, and the first network device is used to execute the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0054] The description of the advantageous effects of any of the second to ninth aspects etc. may refer to the description of the advantageous effects of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable.

[0056] FIG2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] FIG3 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] FIG7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0065] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0066] The business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0067] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically stated. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0068] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: wireless local area network communication system (WLAN), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution system (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access system (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 system (CDMA2000), time division-synchronization code division multiple access system (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) LTE system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) LTE system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) LTE system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, world wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, world wide interoperability for microwave access (WCDMA ... th The 5G generation mobile communication system or new radio (NR) system, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system, enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) system, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) system, ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) system, satellite communication system or LTE-machine-to-machine (LTE-M) system and the future sixth generation (6G) system. th generation, 6G) mobile communication systems, etc.

[0069] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the term "communication" can also be described as "data transmission," "signal transmission," "information transmission," or "transmission." In the embodiments of this application, transmission can include sending or receiving. For example, transmission can be uplink transmission, such as a terminal device sending a signal to a network device; transmission can also be downlink transmission, such as a network device sending a signal to a terminal device.

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 1 , communication system 100 may include multiple communication devices, which can wirelessly communicate with each other using air interface resources. Air interface resources may include at least one of time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code resources, and space resources. For example, the communication devices may include network device 110 and terminal device 120.

[0071] The network device 110 can be any device with wireless transceiver functions, such as a base station for accessing the terminal device 120 to a radio access network (RAN). The base station is sometimes also referred to as an access network device or an access network node. It is understandable that in systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may be different. For the convenience of description, the embodiments of the present application will collectively refer to devices that provide wireless communication access functions for terminal devices as base stations. In the embodiments of the present application, the network device 110 includes but is not limited to: various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small stations, balloon stations, relay stations, access points, etc. The network device 110 may include an evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home evolved node B (or home node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission reception point (TRP), etc. It may also include a next generation node basestation (gNB) or a transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G system, one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, and network nodes constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DPU). The network device 110 may also include network devices, servers, wearable devices, or vehicle-mounted devices in future 6G networks. The network device 110 may also be a module or unit that performs some functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU).

[0072] Network equipment 110 may include a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and RRU may be located in different locations. For example, the RRU may be remotely located in a high-traffic area, while the BBU is located in a central computer room. The BBU and RRU may also be located in the same location, such as in the same computer room. The BBU and RRU may also be separate components within the same rack.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the network device 110 may be the network device 110, or may be a device capable of supporting the network device 110 to implement the function, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the network device 110. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0074] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different network devices respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the network device 110 can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0075] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application takes CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device.

[0076] The terminal device 120 may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The terminal device 120 may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; may also be deployed on water (such as a ship); or may be deployed in the air (for example, on an airplane, balloon, or satellite). The terminal device 120 may also be referred to as a UE, access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit (subscriber unit), user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless network device, user agent, or user equipment. In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device 120 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular phone, a mobile phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a smart phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, an unmanned aerial vehicle device, a terminal device in the Internet of Things or the Internet of Vehicles, and any form of terminal in a future network, a relay user device, or a terminal in a future evolved public land mobile communication network (PLMN). The terminal device 120 can also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a terminal device in industrial control, a terminal device in self-driving, a terminal device in remote medical, a terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a terminal device in a smart city, a terminal device in a smart home, a tactile terminal device, a vehicle-mounted terminal device, a wearable terminal device, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device 120 can be the terminal device 120, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device 120 to implement the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal device 120. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. In the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device is a terminal device, which can also be called a terminal. The following may take the terminal device as an example to describe the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0078] It should be understood that FIG1 is only a simplified schematic diagram for ease of understanding, and the communication system 100 may further include other network devices or other terminal devices, which are not shown in FIG1 .

[0079] The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can communicate via a wireless link. The transmission link from the network device 110 to the terminal device 120 can be called a downlink (DL) or a downlink channel, which is used to transmit downlink signals. The transmission link from the terminal device 120 to the network device 110 can be called an uplink (UL) or an uplink channel, which is used to transmit uplink signals. Exemplarily, the network device 110 can send a downlink reference signal, such as a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) or a UE-specific reference signal (UE-specific reference signal), to the terminal device 120 via a downlink channel for channel state information measurement, data demodulation, beam training, time-frequency parameter tracking, etc. The terminal device 120 can send an uplink reference signal, such as an SRS or a DMRS, to the network device 110 via an uplink channel for uplink and downlink channel measurement, data demodulation, etc. The network device 110 and the terminal device 120 can also perform downlink data transmission via a downlink channel and perform uplink data transmission via an uplink channel.

[0080] Wireless communication can also be performed between the network device 110 and other network devices, and wireless communication can also be performed between the terminal device 120 and other terminal devices.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present application, network device 110 provides services for a cell, and terminal device 110 communicates with network device 110 through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell, such as cell 130 shown in Figure 1. Terminal device 110 is within the coverage area of ​​cell 130 (or carrier). Network device 110 can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay station, or an access point. Cell 130 can be a macro base station or a base station corresponding to a small cell. Small cells here can include: metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, femto cells, etc. Small cells are relative to macro cells. Macro cells generally have a larger coverage area (e.g., a radius of more than 500 meters) and high transmission power, while small cells have a smaller coverage area (e.g., a radius of tens of meters) and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services. This application does not limit the number of cells that terminal device 110 can access. One or more cells can provide services to terminal device 110.

[0082] In a mobile communication system, when the UE is turned on, it enters the power-on and network access process, which is mainly completed by the radio resource control (RRC) layer. The main functions of the RRC layer include system information broadcasting, paging, establishment, maintenance or release of RRC connections, security functions, establishment, reconfiguration or release of radio bearers, mobility functions, quality of service (QoS) management functions, terminal measurement and reporting, detection and recovery of radio link failures, and forwarding of non-access stratum (NAS) messages. The operation of the RRC layer is guided by a state machine, which defines the RRC states that the UE may be in. When the UE is in different RRC states, the network side (for example, network equipment) and the UE have different operations. When the UE enters different RRC states, in order to perform corresponding operations, detailed information needs to be configured by the network side.

[0083] In the LTE communication system, the RRC state can include the RRC connected (RRC_CONNECTED) state and the RRC idle (RRC_IDLE) state. The 5G NR system introduces a new RRC state name, namely the RRC inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) state.

[0084] Taking the states defined in 5G NR as an example, a UE is in the RRC_IDLE state when it powers on. A UE in the RRC_IDLE state can transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state. If there is no activity from the UE within a short period of time, the UE in the RRC_IDLE state can transition to the RRC_INACTIVE state, thereby suspending the session between the UE and the network. A UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state can transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state to resume the session. A UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state or the RRC_INACTIVE state can enter the RRC_IDLE state by releasing the connection.

[0085] Operations in the RRC_IDLE state may include at least one of the following: public land mobile network (PLMN) selection, broadcast system information, cell reselection, paging for mobile terminated data initiated by the 5G core network (5GC), or discontinuous reception (DRX) of core network (CN) paging configured by NAS, etc.

[0086] The operations in RRC_INACTIVE may include at least one of the following: PLMN selection, broadcast system information, cell reselection, paging (RAN paging) initiated by the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), RAN-based notification area (RNA) managed by NG-RAN, DRX configured by NG-RAN for RAN paging, establishment of NG-RAN to 5GC connection for UE (including control plane and user plane), access stratum (AS) context of UE in RRC_INACTIVE state stored in NG-RAN and UE, or NG-RAN knows the RNA to which the UE belongs, etc.

[0087] Operations in the RRC_CONNECTED state may include at least one of the following: establishing a connection from NG-RAN to 5GC for the UE (including the control plane and the user plane), storing the UE's AS context in the NG-RAN, the NG-RAN knowing the cell to which the UE belongs, transmitting unicast data with the UE, or network-controlled mobility (for example, including measurements), etc.

[0088] In order for network devices and terminal devices to perform the above RRC-related operations, they need to obtain certain information, which is called system information (SI). On the one hand, SI includes a master information block (MIB) and several system information blocks (SIBs).

[0089] Among them, the MIB may include cell barring status information and basic physical layer information of the cell required for further receiving system information. For example, control resource set (CORESET) configuration #0. The MIB can be broadcast periodically by network equipment on a broadcast channel (BCH). Among several SIBs, SIB1 defines the scheduling of other SIBs. SIB1 may include information required for initial access. SIB1 may also be called remaining minimum system information (RMSI). It is broadcast periodically on DL-SCH or sent in a dedicated manner on DL-SCH to a UE in RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0090] On the other hand, SI can be divided into minimum system information (MSI) and other system information (other SI). Among them, the minimum system information can include the basic information required by the UE to initially access the cell and the information required to obtain any other system information. Exemplarily, the minimum system information can include the above-mentioned MIB and SIB1.

[0091] Other system information may include all SIBs not broadcast in the MSI. These SIBs may be broadcast periodically on the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) or on demand on the DL-SCH. For example, they may be broadcast upon request from a UE in the RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, or RRC_CONNECTED states. For another example, they may be sent in a dedicated manner on the DL-SCH to a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0092] For example, some other system information and a brief introduction are shown below.

[0093] SIB2 may include cell reselection information, mainly related to the serving cell.

[0094] SIB3 may include serving frequency and co-frequency neighboring cell information related to cell reselection. For example, SIB3 may include frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters.

[0095] SIB4 may include other NR frequency points and inter-frequency neighboring cell information related to cell reselection (including frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters). This information can also be used for NR idle state measurements;

[0096] SIB5 may include evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) frequency and E-UTRA neighbor information related to cell reselection. For example, SIB5 may include frequency-common cell reselection parameters and cell-specific reselection parameters.

[0097] SIB11 may include idle or inactive measurement related information.

[0098] SIB16 may include slice-based cell reselection information.

[0099] SIB17 may include configuration related information of a tracking reference signal (TRS) of a user (or terminal device) in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0100] SIBpos may include positioning assistance data as defined in TS 37.355 and TS 38.331.

[0101] When a terminal device (or user) wants to handover (HO) from its current cell to a target cell, the current cell of the terminal device can configure the terminal device through an RRC reconfiguration message, allowing the terminal device to access the target cell without reading system information. The RRC reconfiguration message may include the identifier of the target cell and all information required to access the target cell.

[0102] However, when system information is large, network devices need to transmit it in segments, resulting in delayed configuration implementation on the terminal device side. Furthermore, network devices and terminal devices transmit and receive a large amount of system information, which is not conducive to energy conservation. Furthermore, network devices may need to periodically send system information, further consuming resources and energy. Even if only the MSI (including MIB and SIB) in system messages is used, the MIB and SIB contain a large number of configuration items, so a large amount of physical resources are consumed to notify the terminal device, resulting in high resource overhead.

[0103] Therefore, how to reduce resource overhead in communication systems is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0104] FIG2 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 200 can reduce resource overhead in a communication system. Method 200 is described below in conjunction with FIG2 .

[0105] S210: The terminal device receives first information from the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0106] The description of the terminal device can be found in the above text and will not be repeated here. The first network device can be any network device, and the description of the network device can be found in the above text and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Optionally, the first information is used to determine N pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information. M may be an integer greater than or equal to 1; in other words, M ≥ 1; in other words, M may be a positive integer greater than 0; in other words, M may be a positive integer. N may be a positive integer less than or equal to M; in other words, M ≥ N, and N is an integer. Alternatively, the M pieces of configuration information may be considered a set of configuration information, and the first information may be used to determine the entire set or a subset of the set of configuration information.

[0108] There are multiple ways for the first information to determine N configuration information among M configuration information. For example, the first information can indicate the index of the N configuration information, and the N configuration information can be matched based on the index of the N configuration information. For another example, the first information can indicate the conditions for selecting configuration information, and the terminal device can select N configuration information based on the conditions. Please refer to the description below for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0109] The present application does not limit the name of the first information. For example, the first information can be called index information, indication information, condition information, trigger information or have other names.

[0110] Optionally, the M configuration information is preconfigured; in other words, the M configuration information is standardized. For example, the M configuration information may be built into the memory of the terminal device when the terminal device leaves the factory. For another example, a protocol or standard specifies M configuration information, and when the terminal device adopts the protocol or standard, the M configuration information is preconfigured. For another example, a network device (e.g., a first network device or another network device) sends M configuration information to the terminal device before S210.

[0111] Optionally, the M configuration information is used to determine the mode of the terminal device.

[0112] As an optional embodiment, the mode of the terminal device may include the above-mentioned RRC_IDLE state, RRC_INACTIVE state, or RRC_CONNECTED state. M configuration information can determine whether the terminal device is in the RRC_IDLE state, RRC_INACTIVE state, or RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, configuration information #1 can be used to determine that the terminal device is in the RRC_IDLE state.

[0113] It should be noted that in related technical solutions, network equipment determines the status of terminal devices through RRC signaling. Specifically, RRC signaling is used to indicate the switching status of terminal devices. The embodiment of the present application determines the mode of the terminal device through pre-configured configuration information, which is completely different from the related technical solutions. Moreover, the configuration information in the related technical solutions is carried in RRC signaling; while the configuration information of the present application is pre-configured, which is completely different from the related technical solutions.

[0114] As another optional embodiment, the RRC layer has only one state protocol framework, which is called a single RRC state protocol framework. Exemplarily, the above single RRC state protocol framework can be applied to 6G wireless communication systems.

[0115] A single RRC state may correspond to multiple modes, and different modes may correspond to different transmission requirements and / or stages of terminal devices.

[0116] Optionally, the transmission requirement is associated with at least one transmission performance indicator. Optionally, different transmission performance indicator requirements may correspond to different transmission requirements; in other words, different transmission requirements may be distinguished by different transmission performance indicator requirements. Exemplarily, the transmission performance indicators may include transmitted data volume, transmission delay, packet loss, or jitter.

[0117] For example, according to different requirements for the amount of data transmitted, the transmission requirements can be divided into: no data transmission requirements, small amounts of data transmission requirements, and large amounts of data transmission requirements. For another example, according to different requirements for transmission delay, the transmission requirements can be divided into: ultra-low delay requirements, low delay requirements, general delay requirements, and no delay requirements. For another example, according to different requirements for packet loss during transmission, the transmission requirements can be divided into: ultra-low packet loss rate (or number of packet losses) requirements, low packet loss rate (or number of packet losses) requirements, general packet loss rate (or number of packet losses) requirements, and no packet loss rate (or number of packet losses) requirements. For another example, according to different requirements for jitter during transmission, the transmission requirements can be divided into ultra-low jitter value requirements, low jitter value requirements, general jitter value requirements, and no jitter value requirements. It should be noted that the transmission performance indicators are not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and may also include other indicators.

[0118] Optionally, the transmission requirements are associated with different transmission characteristics. For example, the transmission characteristics may include dynamic scheduling or semi-static scheduling. It should be noted that the transmission characteristics are not limited to the above, and may also include other characteristics.

[0119] Exemplarily, the stages of the terminal device may include a power-on stage, an initialization stage, a data transmission stage (e.g., a non-service transmission stage, a small data transmission stage, or a large data transmission stage), or a sleep stage, etc. It should be noted that the stages of the terminal device are not limited to the above, and may also include other stages.

[0120] For example, after the terminal device is powered on and initialized, it enters the above-mentioned single working state (ie, single RRC state). The following introduces examples of several modes of the terminal device in the single RRC state.

[0121] Zeroth mode: The state of a terminal device during the initialization phase. In zeroth mode, the communication system (including the terminal device and network equipment) can complete initialization tasks such as initial network selection, terminal device registration, authentication, or security negotiation. The zeroth mode may have other names, such as mode 0, initialization mode, or other names. This application does not limit the name of the zeroth mode.

[0122] First mode: the state of the terminal device in the stage of no business transmission or small data transmission. Alternatively, the first mode may be the state of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission requirements of no data transmission and a small amount of data transmission. In the first mode, the communication system (including terminal devices and network devices) may perform specific configuration of different terminal devices, mobility management of terminal devices, or initiate transmission of uplink and / or downlink data (for example, initiating transmission of a large amount of uplink and / or downlink data), etc. The first mode may have other names, such as default mode, inactive mode, low data volume mode or other names, and this application does not limit the name of the first mode.

[0123] Second mode: the state of the terminal device in the large data volume transmission stage. Alternatively, the second mode may be the state of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission demand required for large-scale data transmission. In the second mode, the communication system (including the terminal device and the network device) may perform dedicated configuration of the terminal device, call the capabilities of the terminal device that are stronger than the first mode, or perform service data transmission with stronger QoS guarantees than the first mode. The second mode may have other names, such as enhanced mode, configurable mode, large data volume mode or other names. This application does not limit the name of the second mode.

[0124] It should be noted that the modes of the terminal device are not limited to the above three modes, and there may be other modes, which are not limited in this application.

[0125] The M configuration information is used to determine the mode of the terminal device. As a possible implementation, the M configuration information is used to switch the mode of the terminal device. For example, if the mode of the terminal device was originally the first mode and the M configuration information corresponds to the second mode, then the mode of the terminal device can be switched to the second mode through the M configuration information. As another possible implementation, the M configuration information is used to maintain the mode of the terminal device. For example, if the mode of the terminal device was originally the second mode and the M configuration information corresponds to the second mode, then the mode of the terminal device can be maintained in the second mode through the M configuration information.

[0126] S220: The terminal device determines N configuration information among the M configuration information based on the first information.

[0127] For the description of M, M configuration information, N, N configuration information, please refer to the previous description of S210, which will not be repeated here.

[0128] There are various ways for a terminal device to determine N pieces of configuration information from M pieces of configuration information based on the first information. For example, the first information may indicate the indexes of the N pieces of configuration information, so that the terminal device can match the N pieces of configuration information based on the indexes of the N pieces of configuration information. For another example, the first information may indicate conditions for selecting configuration information, so that the terminal device can select the N pieces of configuration information based on the conditions. For details, please refer to the description below and will not be repeated here.

[0129] Optionally, the M pieces of configuration information are pre-configured. Detailed description is given in the above description of S210, which will not be repeated here.

[0130] Optionally, the M pieces of configuration information are used to determine a mode of the terminal device. Detailed description is given in the above description of S210, which will not be repeated here.

[0131] Through the above embodiment, a terminal device can reconfigure itself by selecting from multiple pre-configured configuration information based on the first information received from the network device. On the one hand, the network device reconfigures the terminal device by transmitting the first information. Compared to a solution that transmits complete configuration information, the above embodiment can reduce resource overhead in the communication system, thereby achieving greater energy conservation. On the other hand, the determined configuration information can be used to determine the mode of the terminal device. Therefore, the first information does not need to carry information indicating mode switching, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system and saving energy.

[0132] Optionally, S210 includes: (S211) the first network device sends first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a first index.

[0133] The first information can be used to indicate the first index. Optionally, the first information can include the first index, so that the terminal device can determine the first index based on the content in the first information. For example, the first information includes index #0, and the terminal device can determine index #0 based on the content in the first information. Optionally, the first information can be used to indicate the identifier of the first index, so that the terminal device can determine the first index according to the identifier of the first index through predefined rules. For example, the first index is index #0, and the identifier of index #0 is identifier #0. The terminal device can determine that identifier #0 is the identifier of index #0 in a predefined mapping table of identifiers and indices based on identifier #0, thereby determining index #0.

[0134] Optionally, S220 includes: the terminal device determines N configuration information among the M configuration information based on the first index.

[0135] Optionally, the first index may correspond to N configuration information. As a possible implementation, the first index is an index (index) of N configuration information, so that the terminal device can determine the N configuration information corresponding to the first index in the pre-configured M configuration information through the first index. For example, the first index is index #0, and index #0 is the index of configuration information #0 to configuration information #3 (a total of 4 configuration information), so that the terminal device can determine configuration information #0 to configuration information #3 through index #0. As another possible implementation, the first index is the index of one configuration information among the N configuration information. For example, the first index is index #0, and index #0 is the index of configuration information #0, so that the terminal device can determine configuration information #0 through index #0. Exemplarily, the terminal device can further determine configuration information #1 to configuration information #3 based on predefined rules or other indications. For example, the predefined N configuration information include the configuration information corresponding to the index, and the 3 configuration information that are adjacent to and after the configuration information. For another example, the first information includes an offset, and the offset is 3, indicating that the three adjacent configuration information after the configuration information also belong to the N configuration information.

[0136] Optionally, the method 200 further includes: the network device determining a first index corresponding to the N configuration information. Optionally, the method 200 further includes: the network device determining the N configuration information. Optionally, the method 200 further includes: the network device determining the N configuration information; the network device determining the first index corresponding to the N configuration information.

[0137] Optionally, the first information may be carried in an SIB message. For example, a network device sends an SIB message to a terminal device, and the SIB message includes first information, where the first information is used to indicate a first index. It should be noted that this application does not limit the first information to being carried in an SIB message, and the first information may also be carried in other messages. For example, when the communication system performs initialization operations such as network initial selection, terminal device registration, authentication, or security negotiation, the first information may be carried in a message sent by the network device to the terminal device.

[0138] This application does not limit the transmission form of the first information. For example, the first information can be broadcasted to the terminal device. For another example, the first information can be unicasted to the terminal device.

[0139] Through the above embodiment, the first information can indicate the index of the configuration information, and the terminal device can be reconfigured according to the configuration information corresponding to the index. The index occupies a small amount of data, so the above solution can further reduce resource overhead in the communication system, thereby further saving energy.

[0140] Optionally, S210 includes: (S212) the first network device sends first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate a first condition.

[0141] The first information can be used to indicate the first condition. Optionally, the first information can include the first condition, so that the terminal device can determine the first condition based on the content in the first information. For example, the first information includes condition #1, and the terminal device can determine condition #1 based on the content in the first information. Optionally, the first information can be used to indicate the identifier of the first condition, so that the terminal device can determine the first condition based on the identifier of the first condition through predefined rules. For example, the first condition is condition #1, and the identifier of condition #1 is identifier #1. The terminal device can determine that identifier #1 is the identifier of condition #1 in a predefined mapping table of identifiers and conditions based on identifier #1, thereby determining condition #1.

[0142] Optionally, S220 includes: when the first condition is met, the terminal device determines N configuration information among the M configuration information.

[0143] Optionally, the first condition may correspond to N pieces of configuration information. As a possible implementation, the first condition is an application condition for the N pieces of configuration information. Thus, when the terminal device satisfies the first condition, it may determine the N pieces of configuration information corresponding to the first condition from the M pre-configured pieces of configuration information. For example, if the first condition is that the terminal device's capability level is level #1, the first condition corresponds to configuration information #0 through configuration information #3. Thus, when the terminal device's capability level is level #1, configuration information #0 through configuration information #3 are determined.

[0144] Optionally, the first information can be used to indicate multiple conditions, where the first condition is one of the multiple conditions. Optionally, when at least one of the multiple conditions is satisfied, the terminal device determines one or more configuration information from the M configuration information that corresponds to the at least one condition. For example, the multiple conditions include condition #1, where condition #1 corresponds to configuration information #0 through configuration information #3; and the multiple conditions include condition #2, where condition #2 corresponds to configuration information #4 through configuration information #6. Assume that condition #1 indicates that the terminal device's capability level is level #1, and condition #2 indicates that the terminal device's capability level is level #2. Then, if the terminal device's capability level is level #1, the terminal device uses configuration information #0 through configuration information #3 for reconfiguration. If the terminal device's capability level is level #2, the terminal device uses configuration information #4 through configuration information #6 for reconfiguration. It should be noted that the content of the first condition or conditions described above is not limited to the capability level of the terminal device. The above is merely an example. For more details about the first condition or conditions, please refer to the following description and will not be repeated here.

[0145] In some other optional embodiments, the conditions other than the first condition among the above-mentioned multiple conditions are not indicated by the first information. In other words, different conditions can be indicated by different information.

[0146] Optionally, the method 200 further includes: the network device determining a first condition corresponding to the N configuration information. Optionally, the method 200 further includes: the network device determining the N configuration information. Optionally, the method 200 further includes: the network device determining the N configuration information; the network device determining the first condition corresponding to the N configuration information.

[0147] When the first information indicates the first condition, the first information can be carried in any message, which is not limited in this application. As an example, the first information can be carried in any message sent by the network device to the terminal device in the above-mentioned zeroth mode. For example, when the communication system performs initialization operations such as network initial selection, terminal device registration, authentication, or security negotiation, the first information can be carried in a message sent by the network device to the terminal device. As another example, the first information is carried in a SIB message sent by the network device to the terminal device.

[0148] Through the above embodiments, network devices can define application conditions (i.e., first conditions) corresponding to configuration information for specific scenarios. Terminal devices can determine the corresponding configuration information and perform reconfiguration if the first condition is met. In other words, terminal devices can activate the corresponding configuration if the application condition is met. On the one hand, terminal devices can perform reconfiguration as soon as the application condition is met, without requiring additional instructions from the network device, thus saving resource overhead. On the other hand, terminal devices can perform the corresponding configuration when appropriate, avoiding the possibility of being unable to switch configurations in a timely manner due to signaling reception failures, thereby reducing the failure rate.

[0149] Optionally, in some other implementation scenarios of the above embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following: a condition on the identification of the terminal device; a condition on the capability level of the terminal device; a threshold condition on the distance between the terminal device and the first network device; a threshold condition on the signal strength; a threshold condition on the power of the terminal device; a threshold condition on the QoS level; a condition on the data encryption method; a condition on the type of the first network device; or a condition on the perception capability of the first network device.

[0150] Optionally, the first condition includes a condition regarding the terminal device's identifier. Optionally, the condition regarding the terminal device's identifier may include a condition regarding at least one digit of the terminal device's identifier. For example, the last digit of the terminal device's identifier is 1. Thus, if the last digit of the terminal device's identifier is 1, the terminal device may determine the N pieces of configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0151] Optionally, the first condition includes a condition of the capability level of the terminal device. For example, the capability level of the terminal device is category #1. Thus, when the capability level of the terminal device is category #1, the terminal device can determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0152] Optionally, the first condition includes a threshold condition for the distance between the terminal device and the first network device. For example, the first condition is that the distance is less than or equal to a preset threshold. Thus, when the distance between the terminal device and the first network device is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition. For another example, the first condition is that the distance is within a preset threshold range. Thus, when the distance between the terminal device and the first network device falls within the preset threshold range, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0153] Optionally, the first condition includes a threshold condition for signal strength. For example, the first condition is that the signal strength is less than or equal to a preset threshold. Thus, when the signal strength is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition. For another example, the first condition is that the signal strength is within a preset threshold range. Thus, when the signal strength falls within the preset threshold range, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0154] Optionally, the first condition includes a threshold condition for the power level of the terminal device. For example, the first condition is that the power level of the terminal device is less than or equal to a preset threshold. In this way, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition when its power level is less than or equal to the preset threshold. For another example, the first condition is that the power level of the terminal device is within a preset threshold range. In this way, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition when its power level falls within the preset threshold range.

[0155] Optionally, the first condition includes a threshold condition for the QoS level. For example, the first condition is that the QoS level is less than or equal to a preset threshold. In this way, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition when the QoS level is less than or equal to the preset threshold. For another example, the first condition is that the QoS level is equal to one or more preset thresholds. In this way, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition when the QoS level is equal to the above-mentioned one or more preset thresholds. For another example, the first condition is that the QoS level is within a preset threshold range. In this way, the terminal device determines the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition when the QoS level falls within the preset threshold range.

[0156] Optionally, the first condition includes a condition of a data encryption mode. For example, the data encryption mode is data encryption mode #1. Thus, when the data encryption mode is data encryption mode #1, the terminal device can determine the N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0157] Optionally, the first condition includes a condition on the type of the first network device. For example, the type of the first network device may include a macro base station, a micro base station, a pico base station, or a femto base station, etc. For another example, the type of the first network device may include a 3G base station, a 4G base station, a 5G base station, or a 6G base station, etc. For another example, the type of the first network device may include RAN or O-RAN, etc. The type of the first network device may also be referred to as a base station specification. Exemplarily, the first condition includes that the type of the first network device is type #1. In this way, when the type of the first network device is type #1, the terminal device can determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0158] Optionally, the first condition includes a condition on the perception capability of the first network device. For example, when the perception capability of the first network device is capability #1, the terminal device can determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition. For another example, when the perception capability of the first network device is strong (or weak), the terminal device can determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition. For another example, the condition on the perception capability of the first network device includes a threshold or threshold range of the perception capability. When the perception capability of the first network device meets the threshold or threshold range of the above-mentioned perception capability, the terminal device can determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0159] It should be noted that the above is an example of the first condition including the condition of the identification of the terminal device, the condition of the capability level of the terminal device, the threshold condition of the distance between the terminal device and the first network device, the threshold condition of the signal strength, the threshold condition of the power of the terminal device, the threshold condition of the QoS level, the condition of the data encryption method, the condition of the type of the first network device, or the condition of the perception capability of the first network device. In other words, the above is an example of the first condition including a certain aspect of the condition. However, the present application does not limit the first condition to only including a certain aspect of the condition, and the first condition can also include multiple aspects of the condition.

[0160] As an example, the first condition includes a threshold range of a QoS level and a threshold of a power level of the terminal device. For example, when the QoS level is within the above-mentioned QoS level threshold range and the power level of the terminal device is higher than the threshold of the power level of the terminal device, the terminal device can determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0161] As another example, the first condition includes a threshold value of the QoS level and a condition of the terminal device's identification. For example, when the QoS level is equal to the threshold value of the corresponding QoS level and the last digit of the terminal device's identification satisfies the condition of the terminal device's identification, the terminal device may determine N configuration information corresponding to the first condition.

[0162] In the embodiment of the present application, the first condition includes examples of multiple aspects, which can be any combination of the above examples of a certain aspect, and more combinations will not be repeated.

[0163] Optionally, the first information includes multiple conditions, and the first condition is one of the multiple conditions. Any one of the multiple conditions may include at least one of the following: a condition regarding the identification of the terminal device; a condition regarding the capability level of the terminal device; a threshold condition regarding the distance between the terminal device and the first network device; a threshold condition regarding the signal strength; a threshold condition regarding the power level of the terminal device; a threshold condition regarding the quality of service level; a condition regarding the data encryption method; a condition regarding the type of the first network device; or a condition regarding the perception capability of the first network device. For examples of conditions other than the first condition among the multiple conditions, please refer to the description of the first condition and will not be repeated here.

[0164] Through the above embodiments, the first condition may include at least one of a condition for the identification of the terminal device, a condition for the capability level of the terminal device, a threshold condition for the distance between the terminal device and the first network device, a threshold condition for the signal strength, a threshold condition for the power level of the terminal device, a threshold condition for the quality of service level, a condition for the data encryption method, a condition for the type of the first network device, or a condition for the perception capability of the first network device. The network device may define more specific application conditions for the configuration information; the terminal device may select configuration information based on the more specific application conditions. Therefore, the above embodiments trigger the reconfiguration of the terminal device in a more refined manner through more specific application conditions, so that each set of configuration information can be applied in a more appropriate scenario, thereby helping to improve the quality of communication.

[0165] Optionally, S210 includes: (S213) the first network device sends first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to indicate the first index and the first condition.

[0166] The first information may be used to indicate the first index and the first condition. Optionally, the first information includes the first index and the first condition. Optionally, the first information is used to indicate the identifier of the first index, and the first information includes the first condition. Optionally, the first information includes the first index, and the first information is used to indicate the identifier of the first condition. Optionally, the first information is used to indicate the identifier of the first index and the identifier of the first condition. For details, please refer to the above description of S211 and S212, which will not be repeated here.

[0167] Optionally, in some other implementation scenarios of the above embodiments, S220 includes: the terminal device determines K configuration information among the M configuration information based on the first index, and when the first condition is met, determines the N configuration information among the K configuration information, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and K is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

[0168] It is understandable that the terminal device may first determine the configuration information corresponding to the first index according to the first index; and then determine the configuration information that meets the first condition in the configuration information corresponding to the first index according to the first condition.

[0169] Optionally, in some other implementation scenarios of the above embodiments, S220 includes: when the terminal device satisfies the first condition, determining L configuration information among the M configuration information, and determining the N configuration information among the L configuration information based on the first index, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and L is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

[0170] It is understandable that the terminal device may first determine the configuration information that meets the first condition among the M configuration information; and then determine the configuration information corresponding to the first index among the configuration information that meets the first condition.

[0171] Through the above embodiment, the N configuration information determined by the terminal device not only meets the configuration information application conditions, but is also indicated by the network device through the index. This solution not only allows each set of configuration information to be applied in a more appropriate scenario, but also enables the network device to indicate to the terminal device which set (or sets) of configuration information to apply through the index information with less data volume, thereby helping to further improve communication quality.

[0172] Optionally, the first information includes Q configuration information. Q can be a positive integer. The Q configuration information can refer to the current configuration information. For example, the configuration information in the current SIB message. That is to say, in addition to including the first index and / or first condition for determining N configuration information from M pre-configured (or standardized) configuration information, the first information can also include specific configuration information, or in other words, configuration information that is not pre-configured. In the case where the first information includes Q configuration information, the terminal device can obtain more configuration information and the configuration is more flexible.

[0173] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of another communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 300 can be combined with any embodiment of method 200. For example, method 300 can be performed after method 200.

[0174] The method 300 includes S310. Optionally, the method 200 includes S310.

[0175] S310: The terminal device determines that the mode of the terminal device is the first mode according to the N configuration information.

[0176] The first mode may support at least one of first data transmission, mobility management, or initiation of second data transmission, wherein a transmission requirement of the first data transmission is different from a transmission requirement of the second data transmission.

[0177] The transmission requirement of the first data transmission is different from the transmission requirement of the second data transmission. Optionally, the transmission requirement of the first data transmission is a small amount of data transmission. For example, the first data transmission may be a small data transmission (SDT). Optionally, the transmission requirement of the second data transmission is a large amount of data transmission. For example, the second data transmission may be a business data transmission.

[0178] For other descriptions of the first mode, please refer to the above description of the "first mode" in S210, which will not be repeated here.

[0179] Through the above embodiment, N configuration information can determine that the mode of the terminal device is the first mode. Since the configuration information determined by the first information can be used to determine the mode of the terminal device, the first information may not carry information indicating mode switching, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system.

[0180] Optionally, the method 300 includes S320. Optionally, the method 200 includes S320.

[0181] S320: The terminal device uses the NOMA technology to perform the first data transmission with the first network device. Accordingly, the first network device uses the NOMA technology to perform the first data transmission with the terminal device.

[0182] For example, the first data transmission may be SDT. Optionally, S320 may be replaced by: performing SDT between the terminal device and the first network device using NOMA technology.

[0183] Through the above embodiment, the network device can distinguish data transmissions of different terminal devices based on the non-orthogonal multiple access mechanism. Compared with using OFDMA technology to perform the first data transmission, the network device and terminal device in the embodiment of the present application occupy fewer resources when performing the first data transmission.

[0184] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a resource configuration provided in an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that Figure 4 is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on the present application.

[0185] Referring to (a) or (b) in Figure 4 , time-frequency resources are shown in the form of squares. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents frequency. Each square represents a different time-frequency resource. Different squares correspond to different times or frequencies. For example, the time-frequency resources may be physical resource blocks (PRBs).

[0186] Optionally, the N pieces of configuration information include information about the first resource. For example, the first resource may be represented by a shaded square in (a) or (b) of FIG4 .

[0187] Optionally, the first resource is used for first data transmission. For example, the first resource can be used for transmission of control plane and / or user plane data. For another example, the first resource can be used for uplink or downlink data transmission by a terminal device in the first mode.

[0188] Optionally, the first resource is shared by multiple terminal devices. For example, the first resource can be shared by all terminal devices in the first mode served by the first network device. All terminal devices in the first mode served by the first network device can perform first data transmission with the first network device on the first resource.

[0189] The present application does not limit the name of the first resource. For example, the first resource may be called a default mode specific DL or UL physical layer protocol (PHY) channel resource or have other names.

[0190] Optionally, S320 may include: the terminal device adopts NOMA technology on the first resource to perform the first data transmission with the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device adopts NOMA technology on the first resource to perform the first data transmission with the terminal device.

[0191] Optionally, the N pieces of configuration information include information about the first bearer. Optionally, the first bearer is a default bearer of the first mode.

[0192] Optionally, the first bearer includes a signaling radio bearer (SRB) and / or a data radio bearer (DRB). For example, in the first mode, both SRB and DRB can use the first bearer.

[0193] Optionally, the first bearer may include a simplified configuration of one or more protocol-based physical channels, transport channels, or logical channels.

[0194] This application does not limit the name of the first bearer. For example, the first bearer may be called a default radio bearer (RB) configured commonly for any service or function, or may have other names.

[0195] Optionally, the N configuration information includes information about the second resource. Optionally, the information about the second resource can be used to trigger uplink or downlink transmission. For example, the second resource can be used to transmit information for waking up the terminal device. For example, the information for waking up the terminal device can be a wake-up signal (WUS). For another example, the information for waking up the terminal device can be a low-power wake-up signal or a low-power downlink signal.

[0196] Exemplarily, the information of the second resource may include a period, a start offset, or the like.

[0197] It is understandable that the terminal device in the first mode can sleep when there is no data transmission task in order to save energy. When the network device has data or control signaling to send to the terminal device, it needs to wake up the terminal device in advance, so the information of the second resource is needed.

[0198] The present application does not limit the name of the second resource information. For example, the second resource information can be called low-power DL or UL signal configuration, low-power wake-up signal configuration, or have other names.

[0199] Optionally, the N pieces of configuration information include at least one of information about the first resource, information about the first bearer, or information about the second resource. In this case, the N pieces of configuration information may be referred to as configuration information for the first mode, minimized configuration information for the first mode, configuration information for implementing first data transmission, minimized configuration information for implementing first data transmission, or other names.

[0200] For example, after the terminal device enters the first mode, if the network device has a small amount of downlink data to send, it can send a low-power DL signal to the terminal device based on the information of the second resource. The terminal device can receive the low-power DL signal based on the information of the second resource, thereby waking up the terminal device. The network device can send downlink data through the configured physical resources (e.g., the first resource) and the first bearer.

[0201] Optionally, the low-power DL signal carries downlink control information (DCI). The network device may send downlink data using configured physical resources (eg, first resources) and / or resources indicated by the DCI, as well as the first bearer.

[0202] Optionally, after receiving the low-power DL signal, the terminal device sends a response signal of the low-power DL signal to the network device. Optionally, after receiving the response signal of the low-power DL signal, the network device sends downlink data through the configured physical resources (e.g., the first resource) and the first bearer.

[0203] Exemplarily, after the terminal device enters the first mode, if the terminal device has uplink data to send, the uplink data can be sent through the configured physical resources (for example, the first resources) and the first bearer.

[0204] Since the capability required for the first data transmission of the terminal device in the first mode is relatively weak, the number of configuration items can be relatively small. Through a simple configuration method, the terminal device can have the capability to perform the first data transmission in the first mode while saving energy. In other words, by introducing a new configuration method, the capability of the terminal device to transmit small data in the uplink and downlink in the first mode can be supported. In other words, the above scheme provides the minimum configuration information required by the terminal device in an effective and relatively energy-saving manner, and supports the terminal device to implement a process of transmitting small amounts of data in an energy-saving state.

[0205] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of another communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 500 can be combined with any embodiment of method 200. For example, method 500 can be performed after S220. Method 500 can also be combined with any embodiment of method 400. For example, method 500 can be performed before or after method 400. Method 500 is described below in conjunction with FIG5.

[0206] Optionally, the method 500 includes S510. Optionally, the method 200 includes S510. Optionally, the method 400 includes S510.

[0207] S510: The terminal device determines, based on the N pieces of configuration information, that the mode of the terminal device is a second mode. Optionally, the second mode supports second data transmission.

[0208] For other descriptions of the second mode, please refer to the above description of the "second mode" in S210, which will not be repeated here.

[0209] Through the above embodiment, N configuration information can determine that the mode of the terminal device is the second mode. Since the configuration information determined by the first information can be used to determine the mode of the terminal device, the first information may not carry information indicating mode switching, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system.

[0210] Optionally, the method 500 includes S520. Optionally, the method 200 includes S520. Optionally, the method 400 includes S520.

[0211] S520: The terminal device and the first network device perform the second data transmission. Accordingly, the first network device and the terminal device perform the second data transmission.

[0212] Optionally, the N pieces of configuration information include information about a third resource. For example, the third resource may be represented by a blank (non-shaded) square in FIG4 (a) or (b).

[0213] Optionally, the third resource is used for the second data transmission. For example, the third resource can be used for the transmission of control plane and / or user plane data. For another example, the first resource can be used for the second mode terminal device to perform uplink or downlink data transmission.

[0214] Optionally, the third resource is dedicated (or exclusively occupied) by the terminal device. For example, the terminal device may exclusively occupy the PRB corresponding to the information of the third resource.

[0215] The present application does not limit the name of the third resource. For example, the third resource can be called an enhanced or configurable mode specific DL or UL PHY channel resource or have other names.

[0216] Optionally, S520 includes: the terminal device performs the second data transmission with the first network device on the third resource. Correspondingly, the first network device performs the second data transmission with the terminal device on the third resource.

[0217] Optionally, the N pieces of configuration information include information about the second bearer. Optionally, the second bearer is a default bearer of the second mode.

[0218] Optionally, the second bearer includes SRB and / or DRB. For example, in the second mode, both SRB and DRB can use the second bearer.

[0219] Optionally, the second bearer may include one or more sets of simplified configurations of protocol-based physical channels, transport channels, or logical channels.

[0220] Optionally, in the second mode, there are multiple second bearers. Different second bearers correspond to different control signaling and services. In other words, different second bearers are configured for different control signaling and services. For example, SRBs and DRBs can be configured separately for different control signaling and services. It is understandable that since separate configurations are performed for different control signaling or services, fewer configuration items are required.

[0221] This application does not limit the name of the second bearer. For example, the second bearer can be called an enhanced / configurable mode RB configuration for specific traffic / function, or have other names.

[0222] The above embodiment can provide the minimum configuration information required by the terminal device in an efficient and relatively energy-efficient manner, supporting the terminal device in implementing the process of transmitting large amounts of data while maintaining high performance. In other words, through a simple configuration method, the terminal device can enter a mode for transmitting large amounts of data. In other words, the above solution introduces a new configuration method to support the terminal device's ability to enter a large-scale data transmission mode.

[0223] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of another communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 600 can be combined with any embodiment of method 200. For example, method 600 can be performed after S220. Method 600 can also be combined with any embodiment of method 400 (or method 500). For example, method 600 can be performed before or after method 400 (or method 500). Method 600 is described below in conjunction with FIG6.

[0224] S610: The terminal device receives second information from the first network device. Correspondingly, the first network device sends the second information to the terminal device.

[0225] Optionally, the method 200 includes S610. Optionally, the method 400 (or the method 500) includes S610.

[0226] The second information may be used to determine P pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information. P may be a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the P pieces of configuration information may be configuration information of the second network device. Exemplarily, the P pieces of configuration information may include basic access information of the second network device, such as the MIB of the second network device.

[0227] For other descriptions of the second information, refer to the description of the "first information" (e.g., S210). The difference is that the first information can be used to determine N pieces of configuration information out of M pieces of configuration information, where the N pieces of configuration information can be configuration information of the first network device; while the second information can be used to determine P pieces of configuration information out of the M pieces of configuration information, where the P pieces of configuration information can be configuration information of the second network device.

[0228] Through the above embodiment, a network device can send second information to a terminal device. The second information is used by the terminal device to determine the configuration information of another network device. The above embodiment can be applied in mobility management scenarios. For example, the first network device can serve as the source network device, and the second network device can serve as the target network device. In this way, the source network device can enable the terminal device to complete the reconfiguration of the target network device through the second information with a relatively small amount of data, reducing the resource overhead of transmitting the configuration of the target network device.

[0229] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate a second index and / or a second condition. For descriptions of the second index and the second condition, refer to the descriptions of the first index and the first condition (e.g., S211, S212, and S213), respectively. The difference is that the first index and the first condition are used to determine N pieces of configuration information; whereas the second index and the second condition are used to determine P pieces of configuration information.

[0230] Through the above embodiments, the second information may indicate the index and / or application conditions of the configuration information. The terminal device reconfigures itself based on the configuration information corresponding to the index, further reducing resource overhead in the communication system and thus saving energy. The terminal device uses the corresponding configuration information based on the application conditions, enabling each set of configuration information to be applied in a more appropriate scenario, thereby further improving communication quality.

[0231] Optionally, S610 includes: the terminal device receives the second information from the first network device on the second resource, and correspondingly, the first network device sends the second information to the terminal device on the second resource.

[0232] Exemplarily, S610 is performed after S220. If the N pieces of configuration information include information about the second resource, the terminal device may receive the second information from the first network device on the second resource. Correspondingly, if the N pieces of configuration information include information about the second resource, the first network device may send the second information to the terminal device on the second resource.

[0233] It should be noted that related technical solutions cannot be reconfigured using the second resource. This is because, in related technical solutions, the first network device sends specific configuration information, while the second resource used to transmit the information to wake up the terminal device can often only send a small amount of data. However, the second information in this application has a small amount of data, so reconfiguration can be performed using the second resource.

[0234] Through the above solution, the second information can be transmitted on the second resource used to transmit the information for waking up the terminal device, thereby improving the utilization rate of the second resource and facilitating resource saving.

[0235] Before S610 , the first network device or the terminal device may decide whether to perform a handover.

[0236] Optionally, method 600 further includes steps S601 and S602. Steps S601 and S602 are a scheme for the first network device to determine whether to perform a handover. Optionally, steps S601 and S602 can be performed when the first network device has strong positioning awareness capabilities. The scheme of steps S601 and S602 can also be referred to as network-centric mobility management.

[0237] S601: The first network device sends activation information to the terminal device.

[0238] Optionally, S601 includes: the first network device sending activation information to the terminal device on the second resource. The activation information can be used to trigger the terminal device to send an uplink signal to the first network device, thereby assisting the first network device in sensing the moving path of the terminal device.

[0239] S602: The terminal device sends an uplink signal to the first network device.

[0240] The first network device can assist the terminal device in perceiving the moving path based on the uplink signal.

[0241] It should be noted that S601 and S602 are optional solutions. In other optional embodiments, the first network device continuously senses the moving path of the terminal device through other means.

[0242] S603: The first network device determines whether to switch.

[0243] Optionally, S603 includes: the first network device determines whether to switch according to the moving path of the terminal device.

[0244] If the first network device decides to switch, it sends an instruction to the second network device, instructing the terminal device to switch to the second network device. Optionally, the second network device can determine whether to approve the terminal device's switch to the second network device based on the load of the terminal devices it serves. For example, the second network device can notify the first network device to deny the terminal device in the first mode from switching to the second network device based on the load of the terminal device it serves in the first mode.

[0245] Optionally, when deciding to switch, the first network device may synchronize the context of the terminal device with the second network device. For example, the context of the terminal device includes the terminal device's status information, security information, terminal device capability information, and a logical connection identifier related to the terminal device.

[0246] Optionally, the first network device notifies the terminal device to switch. For example, the first network device notifies the terminal device to switch on the second resource. For another example, the first network device sends a low-power DL signal on the second resource, where the low-power DL signal is used to instruct the terminal device to switch. As an optional implementation, after sending the low-power DL signal, S610 is executed. As another optional implementation, the low-power DL signal includes the second information, i.e., S610 is executed while instructing the terminal device to switch.

[0247] Optionally, method 600 further includes S605 and S606. S605 and S606 are schemes for the terminal device to decide whether to perform a handover. Optionally, S605 and S606 can be performed when the first network device does not have positioning awareness capabilities or has weak positioning awareness capabilities. The scheme of S605 and S606 can also be referred to as UE-centric mobility management.

[0248] S605: The terminal device determines to switch.

[0249] For example, the terminal device determines to perform handover based on measurement information.

[0250] S606: The terminal device sends switching information to the first network device.

[0251] Optionally, S606 includes: the terminal device sends switching information to the first network device on the second resource. The switching information can be used to notify the first network device to perform switching.

[0252] Optionally, the first network device may synchronize the context of the terminal device with the second network device. For example, the context of the terminal device includes status information, security information, capability information of the terminal device, and a logical connection identifier related to the terminal device.

[0253] Optionally, S610 is executed. The P pieces of configuration information indicated by the second information in S610 may include all or part of the configuration information of the second network device. For example, the P pieces of configuration information may include: a portion of the entire configuration information of the second network device that can be determined by the second index and / or the second condition.

[0254] Optionally, method 600 includes S620. Optionally, method 200 includes S620. Optionally, method 400 (or method 500) includes S620.

[0255] S620: The terminal device determines P pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information based on the second information.

[0256] Exemplarily, P pieces of configuration information may be used to determine whether the mode of the terminal device is the first mode or the second mode.

[0257] Optionally, after the terminal device accesses the second network device, method 600 includes: the terminal device receiving at least one configuration information from the second network device. For example, the P configuration information includes a portion of the configuration information of the second network device, and the at least one configuration information is another portion of the configuration information of the second network device. It is understood that the second information may indicate some configuration information of the second network device, and the second network device may send the remaining configuration information of the second network device. The "remaining configuration information" refers to the configuration information of the second network device that the terminal device needs to apply, excluding the configuration information indicated by the second information.

[0258] The following is an introduction to the device embodiment corresponding to the method embodiment of the present application. The following is only a brief introduction to the device, and the specific implementation steps and details of the solution can be referred to the method embodiment above.

[0259] To implement the various functions of the method provided herein, the communication device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, and the aforementioned functions may be implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular one of the aforementioned functions is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0260] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 700 includes a processor 710 and a communication interface 720, which may be interconnected via a bus 730. The communication device 700 may be a first network device or a terminal device.

[0261] Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 740. The memory 740 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The memory 740 is used for related instructions and data. The memory 740 may be integrated with the processor 710 or provided separately.

[0262] The processor 710 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). In the case where the processor 710 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processor 710 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit that can implement the method of the present application, or a portion of the circuitry used for processing functions in the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit. In addition, the communication interface 720 may also be an input / output interface, which is used for inputting or outputting signals or data, or may be an input / output circuit.

[0263] Exemplarily, the communication device 700 is a terminal device, and the processor 710 is used to perform the following operations: receive first information from a first network device; based on the first information, determine N configuration information among M configuration information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the M configuration information are pre-configured, and the M configuration information are used to determine the mode of the terminal device.

[0264] Exemplarily, the communication device 700 is a first network device, and the processor 710 is used to perform the following operations: sending first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to determine N configuration information out of M configuration information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, the M configuration information being pre-configured, and the M configuration information being used to switch the mode of the terminal device.

[0265] The above contents are only for exemplary description. The communication device 700 is responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the first network device or terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0266] It is understood that the communication interface 720 may also be referred to as a transceiver. The transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver, where the transmitter is used to perform a transmission operation and the receiver is used to perform a reception operation. For example, the processor 710 is used to control the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0267] It should be noted that the communication device 700 may include a transmitter but not a receiver. Alternatively, the communication device 700 may include a receiver but not a transmitter. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 700 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0268] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the contents of the above method embodiments. The implementation of each operation in FIG7 may also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in FIG2 to FIG6.

[0269] For example, the communication device 700 may be used to implement the solutions shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 .

[0270] Exemplarily, the communication apparatus 700 is a first network device, and the communication interface 720 may be configured to receive first configuration information from a second network device; and to send first information to the terminal device.

[0271] Exemplarily, the communication apparatus 700 is a terminal device, and the communication interface 720 may be configured to receive first information from a first network device.

[0272] Exemplarily, the communication apparatus 700 is a second network device, and the communication interface 720 may be configured to send first configuration information to a first network device; and to send second indication information to the first network device.

[0273] For other implementations, please refer to the detailed description of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6 above, which will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the specific process of each component performing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0274] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 800 may be a terminal device, a first network device, or a chip or module within the terminal device or the first network device, and is configured to implement the methods described in the embodiments of Figures 2 to 6. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0275] The communication device 800 includes a transceiver unit 810. The transceiver unit 810 is described below by way of example.

[0276] The transceiver unit 810 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the embodiments of the present application combine the transmitting unit and the receiving unit into a single transceiver unit. This is described here as a unified description and will not be repeated later. The transceiver unit 810 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 810 can also be referred to as a communication interface or communication module.

[0277] It should be noted that the communication device 800 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 800 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 800 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0278] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to receive first information from a first network device.

[0279] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a processing unit 820, which is used to execute the contents of the communication device 800 involving processing, coordination and other steps.

[0280] Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 810 is configured to send first information, etc. to a terminal device.

[0281] Optionally, the communication device 800 may further include a processing unit 820, which is used to execute the contents of the communication device 800 involving processing, coordination and other steps.

[0282] The above contents are merely exemplary descriptions, and the communication device 800 is responsible for executing the relevant methods or steps in the above method embodiments.

[0283] Optionally, the communication device 800 further includes a storage unit 830, which is configured to store a program or code for executing the aforementioned method. Alternatively, the storage unit 830 may be configured to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 820 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit 830 to enable the communication device 800 to implement the aforementioned method embodiments. For example, the communication device 800 may be configured to execute the solutions illustrated in Figures 2 to 6.

[0284] Exemplarily, the processing unit 820 can be used to receive first information from a first network device; and to determine N configuration information out of M configuration information based on the first information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the M configuration information are pre-configured, and the M configuration information are used to determine the mode of the terminal device.

[0285] Exemplarily, the processing unit 820 can be used to send first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to determine N configuration information out of M configuration information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M. The M configuration information are pre-configured, and the M configuration information are used to switch the mode of the terminal device.

[0286] For other implementations, please refer to the detailed description of the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6 above, which will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the specific process of each component performing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0287] When the communication device is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. In the above method embodiment, the sending operation of the first network device or terminal device can be understood as an output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the first network device or terminal device in the above method embodiment can be understood as an input of the chip.

[0288] The present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0289] The present application also provides another chip, comprising: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is configured to execute code in a memory. When the code is executed, the processor is configured to execute the methods in the above examples. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, which is configured to store computer programs or code.

[0290] The present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory, and for executing the methods and functions involving a communication device or an encoding device in any of the above embodiments.

[0291] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product including a computer program or instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0292] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed in a computer, the method of the aforementioned embodiment is implemented.

[0293] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0294] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes a first network device and a terminal device. The first network device and the terminal device are respectively used to indicate the method executed by the first network device and the terminal device in the signing embodiment.

[0295] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0296] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0297] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0298] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0299] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0300] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0301] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a terminal device, and the method includes: receiving first information from a first network device; According to the first information, determine N configuration information among M configuration information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M. The M configuration information are pre-configured, and the M configuration information are used to determine the mode of the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a first index, wherein determining N configuration information among M configuration information according to the first information includes: The N pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information are determined according to the first index.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a first condition, wherein determining N configuration information among M configuration information according to the first information includes: When the first condition is met, the N configuration information among the M configuration information are determined.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information is used to indicate a first index and a first condition, wherein determining N configuration information among M configuration information according to the first information includes: Determine, according to the first index, K pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information, and if the first condition is met, determine the N pieces of configuration information among the K pieces of configuration information, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and K is a positive integer greater than or equal to N; or When the first condition is met, determine L configuration information among the M configuration information, and determine the N configuration information among the L configuration information according to the first index, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and L is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The first condition includes at least one of the following: Conditions for identification of the terminal device; Conditions on the capability level of the terminal equipment; a threshold condition of the distance between the terminal device and the first network device; Threshold conditions for signal strength; A threshold condition for the power level of the terminal device; Threshold conditions for quality of service levels; Conditions for data encryption methods; A condition on the type of the first network device; or A condition of the perception capability of the first network device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: Based on the N configuration information, it is determined that the mode of the terminal device is the first mode, and the first mode supports at least one of first data transmission, mobility management, or initiating second data transmission, wherein the transmission requirement of the first data transmission is different from the transmission requirement of the second data transmission.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The N pieces of configuration information include information about the first resource, wherein the method further includes: The first data transmission is performed with the first network device on the first resource using a non-orthogonal multiple access technology.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: According to the N pieces of configuration information, it is determined that the mode of the terminal device is a second mode, and the second mode supports second data transmission.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving second information from the first network device; According to the second information, P pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information are determined, where P is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the P pieces of configuration information are configuration information of the second network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate a second index and / or a second condition.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that One of the N pieces of configuration information includes information about a second resource, where the second resource is used to transmit information for waking up the terminal device, wherein receiving the second information from the first network device includes: The second information is received from the first network device on the second resource.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first network device, and the method includes: Send first information to the terminal device, where the first information is used to determine N configuration information out of M configuration information, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and N is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the M configuration information are pre-configured, and the M configuration information are used to switch the mode of the terminal device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a first index, and the first index is used to determine the N configuration information among the M configuration information.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a first condition, and the first condition is used to determine the N configuration information among the M configuration information when the first condition is met.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first information is used to indicate a first index and a first condition; The first index is used to determine K pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information, and the first condition is used to determine the N pieces of configuration information among the K pieces of configuration information when the first condition is met, where K is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and K is a positive integer greater than or equal to N; or Among them, the first condition is used to determine L configuration information among the M configuration information when the first condition is met, and the first index is used to determine the N configuration information among the L configuration information, where L is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and L is a positive integer greater than or equal to N.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The first condition includes at least one of the following: Conditions for identification of the terminal device; Conditions on the capability level of the terminal equipment; a threshold condition of the distance between the terminal device and the first network device; Threshold conditions for signal strength; A threshold condition for the power level of the terminal device; Threshold conditions for quality of service levels; Conditions for data encryption methods; A condition on the type of the first network device; or A condition of the perception capability of the first network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that The N configuration information are used to determine that the mode of the terminal device is a first mode, and the first mode supports at least one of first data transmission, mobility management, or initiating second data transmission, wherein the transmission requirement of the first data transmission is different from the transmission requirement of the second data transmission.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The N pieces of configuration information include information about the first resource, wherein the method further includes: The first data transmission is performed with the terminal device on the first resource using a non-orthogonal multiple access technology.

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that The N pieces of configuration information are used to determine that the mode of the terminal device is a second mode, and the second mode supports second data transmission.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending second information to the terminal device, where the second information is used to determine P pieces of configuration information among the M pieces of configuration information, where P is a positive integer less than or equal to M, and the P pieces of configuration information are configuration information of the second network device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The second information is used to indicate a second index and / or a second condition.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that One of the N pieces of configuration information includes information about a second resource, where the second resource is used to transmit information for waking up the terminal device, wherein sending the second information to the terminal device includes: Send second information to the terminal device on the second resource.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least one module or at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises at least one module or at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program or instructions, and the processor is configured to, by executing the computer program or the instructions, cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22 to be executed.

27. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22 is implemented.

28. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises a terminal device and a first network device, wherein the terminal device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the first network device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

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